Safety net coverage, payment to rise in FY26 

The government has proposed an increase in both the number of beneficiaries and the per capita allocations under social safety net programmes in the national budget for the fiscal year (FY) 2025–26.

The move is aimed at reducing poverty and social inequality, while improving the living standards of the poor, marginalised, and vulnerable groups, Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed said during his budget speech today.

He also announced that several other social allowances will go up in the upcoming fiscal year.

From July, the monthly allowance for elderly citizens will rise from Tk 600 to Tk 650. Widows, deserted, and destitute women will also see their monthly payments increase from Tk 550 to Tk 650.

The disability allowance will go up to Tk 900 from the current Tk 850. Under the Mother and Child Benefit Programme, the monthly stipend will be raised from Tk 800 to Tk 850.

In addition, the government has set the monthly allowance for disadvantaged communities at Tk 650.

Along with the higher payments, the government will expand the number of people covered by various social protection schemes, and ensure broader and more inclusive coverage.